See the good in all sentient beings

We’re one big family, after all. Sometimes with our world blinders on we’ve kind of forgotten that it’s actually true. Rather than being some isolated being cut off from the tribe we are wholly a part of that tribe. Always have been, always will be.

I wanted to write a post tonight about my reflections on some of the coverage this website has done over the years regarding Buddhist teachers and sexual misconduct. I want to talk primarily about the dangers of a practice that points fingers without the possibility of forgiveness and redemption in the other. If we cannot leave room for forgiveness then we are the ones who are stuck, really. And, to go further, we’re also therefore the ones who must forgive ourselves because we are that tribe I spoke of. Every human being is unique and also a mirror reflecting who we are back to us.

I’m sorry if the coverage the website did ever caused people to lose faith in their practice or in humanity by offering both a skewed view of the actual situation on the ground out there or by not offering the possibility of forgiveness and that other word I used: redemption. Both are pivotal on any person’s spiritual journey, no matter what religion they come from. If a person is not free to move past their mistakes in life then karma would be some kind of vindictive actor in our universe, essentially damning an individual to their own very private hell. Thankfully, karma actually seeks justice, not revenge. It offers hope, not hopelessness. If we open ourselves up to the possibility of leaving behind our locust shells and going on our ancient sacred journey then we open ourselves up to dispelling the illusion that we were ever separate from anyone, be they a sinner or a saint.

What the world needs right now, more than ever, are a new pair of eyes to look out at their fellow man and woman with. Free of judgment and free of condemnation. When one strays from the tribe we must use our compassion and wisdom to bring them back in to the fold. So, believe in people. Don’t believe the lie that the sky is falling and that you’ll always be in darkness. Darkness hides from the light of truth and reason. You don’t have to fumble around in it. There is a light and it’s you.

I want to leave you with a quote from our brothers and sisters in Christendom from the gospel of Matthew which speaks to this message. I want you to see others as those angels in heaven see them. I want you to see that face everywhere you look, especially when it’s the face of the devil.

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 18:10

2 comments

Sweeping Zen was pivotal in shining the light on teacher abuses – especially the decades-long abuses of Eido Shimano and Joshu Sazaki.
This was a good and necessary thing.

Abusive teachers *NEED* sentiments just like the one you’ve stated above. They desperately require students who are constantly thinking: “ooooh i can’t get angry… remember, see the perfection…. whoops, there I was doing it again, speaking of others errors and faults” so they can continue to abuse their power.
Students like that, will be led anywhere. Spiritual Bypassing is a disease in almost every Buddhist group, and every student goes through it in their practice.

Don’t beat yourself up, but don’t make a nest in the disease of Spiritual Bypassing either.

Shodo, forgiving people isn’t spiritual bypassing. It’s the water of life and without it neither you or I could stand here today quite so proudly. Imagine if there were a book that told the tale of your life which, when thrown open, highlighted all of your problems and deeds you were unproud of. Without doubt human beings need nudging to be shown the error of their ways and sometimes that needs exposure in a public way as was done at times here and elsewhere.

But redemption doesn’t always have to be so loud and the one who accuses and condemns must also, I believe, leave the doorway open to forgiveness.

Imagine if it were YOU who had the keys thrown away on you, serving what amounts to a life sentence. Imagine that.

I’m not beating myself up even a little. I’m leaving the door to forgiveness open to everyone anymore. I’ve personally forgiven anyone who has wronged me and only want them to thrive and succeed. I want them to stop being blinded by darkness and let the light in.

Not sure if that will make sense to you but there it is. Have a good one! Love ya!

About Sweeping Zen

Established in 2009 as a grassroots initiative, Sweeping Zen is a digital archive of information on Zen Buddhism. Featuring in-depth interviews, an extensive database of biographies, news, articles, podcasts, teacher blogs, events, directories and more, this site is dedicated to offering the public a range of views in the sphere of Zen Buddhist thought. We are also endeavoring to continue creating lineage charts for all Western Zen lines, doing our own small part in advancing historical documentation on this fabulous import of an ancient tradition. Come on in with a tea or coffee. You're always bound to find something new.

Sweeping Zen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.